Improvement in covers for soda-fountains shaped like icebergs



T. L. RANKIN. Fountains shaped like Icebergs, 8220.,

Cover for Sodaand Refrigerated to produce Frost on their Surfaces.

No. 220,419. PatentedOct. 7,1879.

INVBNTOR TORNEYS.

N, PErERS, PH HER. WASHINGTON n c UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

TrtoMAs L. RANKIN, or LYNDON, KANSAS.

IMPROVEMENT m covER FOR SODA-FOUNTAINS SHAPED LIKE ICEBERGS, &c., AND REFRIGERATED T0 PRODUCE FROST ON THEIR SURFACES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 220,419, dated October 7, 1879; application filed March -27, 1879.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that l, THOMAS L. RANKIN, of Lyndon, in the county of Osage and State of Kansas, have invented a new and Improved Artificially-Refrigerated Cover or Inclosure for Fountains, designed for aerated liquids, of which the following is a specification.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cover representing an iceberg or a winter scene. Fig. 2 is a sectional elevation of the same, showing the frame-work and internal arrangement.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.

The object of this invention is to furnish and maintain by artificial means and at any season a covering of frost or ice to and upon the covers or inclosures of soda-water and beer fountains and the like.

The invention consists of a thin shell, cover, or inclosure, A,ot' metal or other good heatconducting material, that maybe made of any desired shape, but preferably of such a shape that whenit is covered with ice of nearly an even thickness in every part it will present a miniature resemblance of an iceberg, ice-covered rock, or some other object peculiar to winter scenery: This shell or case is to set over the pipe B, that is to project through the case after the usual manner in soda-water fountains, and through which the soda-water, beer, &c., are drawn from their receptacles. This pipe B is covered with felt or other good non-conductor, a, as shown, to prevent the freezing of its contents.

The base 0, with slightly-raised rim, corre sponding in outline with the outlines of the bottom of the shell, and extending a little beyond it, serves to support the layer of ice that is formed on the outside of the shell.

Through the. pipes D D and roses E E the refrigerating liquid or vapor is projected by means of a pump or other suitable device against the interior surface of the case A, and

is made to strike the surface in a fine spray, S,in order that its effects may be more prompt and decided. The condensed liquid or gases meanwhile return to their original receptacle through one or more orlfices, I), made through the base 0.

When the refrigerating liquids, gases, or vapors are thus applied, it is found that they cause the condensation upon the outer surface of the case of moisture from the atmosphere, so that a coating of frost or ice, F, is quickly formed and easily maintained so long as the process continues, and that the thickness of the coating may at any time be increased within certain limits by directing a spray of water upon said surface.

In this manner may be produced attractive resemblances of masses of ice and other natural objects, while at the same time additional frigidity may be given to the liquids as they are drawn through the fountain.

.I do not confine myself to the use of any particular refrigerating mixture, gases, or vapors in producing these effects, as there are several that will answer the purpose; but,

Having thus described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent- 1. In combination with a soda fountain cover made of heat-conducting material, and of a shape to give the efiect of icebergs or other winter scenery, a spray-head and conduit for injecting some refrigerant upon the interior, as described.

2. The combination, with a soda-fountain case made of heat-conducting material. of the tubes D, provided with end roses, E, to be connected with a suitable pump or other forcing device, as and for the purpose specified.

THOMAS L. RANKIN.

Witnesses:

G. SnDewIcK, I. I. Sronnn. 

